Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Does Your Soul Need A Lift?

 January is the intended month of change; I think most would agree on that.  Now, intended, is really the operative word, but I believe action does also have some follow through. 

For example, we almost all, remove some types of seasonal decor, cycle through some "old" clothes or toys, to make room for some newer options that may have filtered in through the holiday season. We try to find a place for a new book and pass along an old favorite to a friend. "Have you read this one? It's a must," we say, and so change is inevitably occuring. 

I think it is apropos that I was born in January, early and tiny though I was, at first appearance.  While I do not enjoy major change at my core, tiny changes are an indelible part of my nature.  My dearest friends, you might know what I am about to say...  Wait for it. 

 I absolutely, positively MUST move furniture and things. Like a bear hibernates or lions roar or any other analogy you might want to toss in there, I have a compulsory need to do it every so often, and January is one of the times it feels best. 

So this weekend, I swapped my dining tables, moved some other furniture, and finished up some other projects.  And, dear ones, my heart feels soothed.  I walk in the front door of my house and it feels, "right." Both my sons, when they saw the changes, said, "Why?" But both said it looks better. I think here is where we note that not everyone innately understands that change is needed, but can agree that change, is good. It sets a tone for a new direction. Also, we can note that in small ways, I am helping to prepare them for a future of how to cope when they don't understand the "why" of how a couch moving from point A to point B revitalizes the scope of a women's life. 

Among the interior design, laundry, and leaf raking, of the weekend, I embarked on another year of life in the forties and I realized something about myself.  

I don't know how to be celebrated. 

I have no fear of public speaking, speaking my mind, being in front of people, interacting with people, doing all the extroverted things that fill up every part of my love bucket. 

But I do not know what to do or how to function when I am put on the spot and celebrated. 

Isn't that the oddest thing you've ever heard?   Who wouldn't want to hear positive and affirming things, right? 

I thought this was only relegated to surprise incidents and parties, but, alas, no, I find it is the every day, run of the mill experience. I am open to all thoughts on why this might be...

It doesn't mean that I am not appreciative of kind words, because as a writer, words are very important to me.  Say on, I guess, but don't put me on the spot in a sombrero and order me a slice of pie that's on fire. 

January is almost over. Inevitable change is hinted with every sunrise and sunset in the big Texas sky. While I don't know what the year holds, aside from a few significant milestones, I like to imagine the chapter being penned will be filled with memories that will be linked across time. I am not so naive as to think it will all be pleasant and rose scented, but I do know that the underlying theme will be hope. God is always doing a new thing.  With each new day I see, may hope be the spark in my lantern. 

Gentle reminder: swap some furniture. Put a smile in your soul. 

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